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Division of Student Affairs Reorganizes to Better Meet Student Needs

April 23, 2013

The Division of Student Affairs has undergone a structural reorganization to better meet student needs while allowing the division to operate more efficiently.

The planning for the reorganization took several months as constituents from within the division and around campus engaged in the process. Since her arrival last July, Berenecea Johnson Eanes, vice president for student affairs, has engaged all stakeholders and challenged them to think big to best serve the needs of students.

"The idea is to link similar functions," said Eanes. "So we have developed three focus areas: student engagement, retention and transitions. "The idea of engagement is to have students participate in programs that add to their college experience."

Engagement

This segment of student affairs would include such services as the university's cultural centers, student life, assistant deans, WoMen's Center, freshman programs and the CSUF Irvine Campus. These areas now report to Lea Jarnagin, associate vice president for student affairs. The second branch of this area would be under the authority of the dean of students and would include judicial affairs, parent relations and the alcohol/drug advisory committee, as well as serve as liaison with Associated Students Inc. A search to fill that position is currently underway.

Retention

Under the umbrella of retention would be the Career Center, athletics/academic services, veteran student services, Guardian Scholars program, disabled student services, student academic services, Student Health and Counseling Center and psychological services. This area is managed by Kandy Mink Salas, associate vice president for student affairs.

"The goal of retention is to provide services and assistance that assist students in staying at and succeeding at Cal State Fullerton," Eanes said. "Whether it's health care or counseling services or academic assistance, we want to provide what students need, in order to persist and to graduate."

Transitions

The third area of focus includes technology services, educational partnerships, new student and parent programs, housing and residence life, financial aid and scholarships under the leadership of Ryan Alcántara, associate vice president for student affairs.

"In the area of transitions, we're helping students adapt to college life, and we provide resources to make this possible — whether the concern is financing their education or finding a home on our campus," said Eanes.

The areas of ASI, under the authority of Fred Sanchez, executive director, and intercollegiate athletics, under the direction of Jim Donovan, will remain the same.